Hybrid Enrichment Verification Array: Module Characterization Studies
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
The work presented in this report is focused on the characterization and refinement of the Hybrid Enrichment Verification Array (HEVA) approach, which combines the traditional 186-keV 235U signature with high-energy prompt gamma rays from neutron capture in the detector and surrounding collimator material, to determine the relative enrichment and 235U mass of the cylinder. The design of the HEVA modules (hardware and software) deployed in the current field trial builds on over seven years of study and evolution by PNNL, and consists of a ø3''×3'' NaI(Tl) scintillator coupled to an Osprey digital multi-channel analyzer tube base from Canberra. The core of the HEVA methodology, the high-energy prompt gamma-ray signature, serves as an indirect method for the measurement of total neutron emission from the cylinder. A method for measuring the intrinsic efficiency of this “non-traditional” neutron signature and the results from a benchmark experiment are presented. Also discussed are potential perturbing effects on the non-traditional signature, including short-lived activation of materials in the HEVA module. Modeling and empirical results are presented to demonstrate that such effects are expected to be negligible for the envisioned implementation scenario. In comparison to previous versions, the new design boosts the high-energy prompt gamma-ray signature, provides more flexible and effective collimation, and improves count-rate management via commercially available pulse-processing electronics with a special modification prompted by PNNL.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1328062
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-25066; DN4001030; TRN: US1700046
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
URANIUM 235
PROMPT GAMMA RADIATION
NAI DETECTORS
NEUTRON REACTIONS
MULTI-CHANNEL ANALYZERS
ENRICHMENT
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
KEV RANGE 100-1000
DESIGN
HYBRID SYSTEMS
VERIFICATION
COMPUTER CODES
COUNTING RATES
CAPTURE
COLLIMATORS
CYLINDERS
COMPUTERS
MANAGEMENT
MASS
MODIFICATIONS